DreamSpring was proud to take part in West Slope Startup Week (WSSW), an event that brought together hundreds of business owners and organizations from across Colorado. Hosted by Startup Colorado in Durango, WSSW featured five days of 80+ sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at helping entrepreneurs connect and grow. With nearly 500 registrants, it was the biggest turnout in the event's history!
Small business owners and community leaders network at West Slope Startup Week. Photograph by Olivia Reed.
Meghan Rauker, DreamSpring Community Engagement Officer, was at the center of the action leading discussions and connecting with local entrepreneurs as the event’s Makers Track Captain.
“West Slope Startup Week is one of my favorite weeks of the year,” says Meghan. “Seeing diverse industries come together — from outdoor recreation to consumer packaged goods to tech — proves that rural economic development is alive with energy and opportunity."
Meghan Rauker, DreamSpring Community Engagement Officer, with Vanessa McCrann, lead WSSW organizer and Startup Colorado Director of Community Engagement, and Kayleen, a volunteer.
Meghan and Eva Lewis, Creative Director of the Ignacio Creative District, led an interactive goal-setting session with the Rural Creative Collective. Entrepreneurs from various fields — graphic designers, filmmakers, and textile artists — joined forces to brainstorm long-term strategies. The session ended with a collaborative art piece that symbolized their shared goals and future hopes.
WSSW also covered a range of topics, from using AI in business to crafting strong pitch decks. The week included a pitch competition awarding more than $380,000 in investments and prizes, plus a bilingual program for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.
The Rural Creative Collective workshop concluded with a collaborative art piece.
DreamSpring is ready to support even more rural and creative entrepreneurs with business-building resources as it looks ahead to West Slope Startup Week 2025. Meghan adds, "Already counting down the days until next year!”
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